The New York Jets are adding some serious reinforcements.
Jermaine Johnson announced on his video game Twitch stream on Saturday, August 9, that he will be activated off the PUP [physically unable to perform] list on Monday, August 11.
“Oh yeah, I do get off PUP on Monday. That’s breaking news,” Johnson announced.
The Jets placed Johnson on the “Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list” on July 19 ahead of training camp. Johnson ruptured his Achilles during the Week 2 matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 of the 2024 season.
Johnson Is Set to Return to Practice for the First Time in Training Camp
While Johnson was on the list, he wasn’t permitted to practice, but he was allowed to attend meetings and utilize the team facilities, Jets senior reporter Eric Allen explained.
Now that this designation is coming off, Johnson will be allowed to return to practice.
Head coach Aaron Glenn has explained throughout the offseason that the team will be cautious with his return and that they’re thinking “long term.”
However, he always maintained that Johnson was expected to be ready to go for the Week 1 contest versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. This was a necessary step to bring us closer to that goal.
The Jets Need Johnson to Return to Form and Some
This offseason, the green and white didn’t make any significant additions at defensive end.
With the two straws that stir the drink being Will McDonald and Johnson, the pressure is on them to carry the defense.
If the Jets had added a proven veteran, like Jadeveon Clowney, that would have allowed the team to slowly bring Johnson back with no pressure. However, since they didn’t do that, the Jets are going to need Johnson to recover quickly and be a key cog on this defensive line.
If social media is any indication, Johnson is raring to go. He recently posted a SpongeBob SquarePants meme of Squidward watching SpongeBob and Patrick having fun outside while he watched inside from his window.
— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) August 4, 2025
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Johnson recently told a fan on social media that, “I will 100% be running through someone’s facemask😂😂😂,” in Week 1 against the Steelers.
I will 100% be running through someone’s facemask😂😂😂 https://t.co/YzvAa2QmOH
— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) July 27, 2025
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When asked by another fan on social media if he is hungry heading into the 2025 season?
Johnson responded, “Malnourished.”
Jets Pass Rush Flexes Its Muscles During Preseason Opener
The Jets finished the game with four sacks against Green Bay.
Jay Tufele had 1.5 sacks, Jamin Davis had a sack, Leonard Taylor III had a strip sack, and Braiden McGregor recorded a half sack.
Johnson’s return will only boost those totals.
Massive Year Incoming for Johnson, Pressure Is On
This is a big year for Johnson. While his draft class mates from 2022 received record-breaking extensions, Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, and Johnson received no such contract talks.
That isn’t surprising, Johnson is coming off a season-ending injury. However, the Jets did pick up the fifth-year team option on his contract, keeping him under team control for the next two seasons.
Next offseason, Johnson will have one year remaining on his deal. If he performs, Johnson could earn himself a fat payday in 2026. However, if he struggles, Johnson will likely have to play out his deal.
